Hint *Click on th
e pictures below to see them in "magnification view" with added comments*What a week it has been. We finally feel like Hilo is becoming our home and not just a "vacation".
Gratefully, at times it still feels like a vacation. Like today for example. Turtles and Sunshine!
Ever since we arrived in Hilo we've been told about this great beach park just five miles away called Richardson's. We attempted to go there Wednesday night but it was closed due to fire ants (a big problem in Hilo). Luckily today we had gorgeous weather and ample time to further explore.
Richardson's Beach Park has beautiful swaying palms, black sand beaches, and an abundance of sea life. Most notably the sea turtles.
Our first dip in the water for the day includes the above pictures. Not only did we see some amazing fish, but the coral was absolutely gorgeous! But . . .we didn't see any turtles.
M.'s eyes started to agitated in the water so we took a break. After getting some Hawaii sun, (did not think to put on sun screen which we are currently paying for) we ventured out in the water again but did not bring out our camera. Sorry guys.
We swam out pretty far thinking we'd have better luck and . . .we did. M. grabbed my arm and THERE was a sea turtle. It was the most magnificent and sweet creature I've ever seen. We swam right next to it for about ten minutes straight. Occasionally it would pop it's cute head up for air. This was seriously one of the coolest experiences of my entire life; words really cannot express it's awesomeness. It appeared to be about five feet or so long and maybe three feet wide. It's against the law to touch the turtles here in Hawaii so we were content just following along beside it.
Gratefully, at times it still feels like a vacation. Like today for example. Turtles and Sunshine!
Ever since we arrived in Hilo we've been told about this great beach park just five miles away called Richardson's. We attempted to go there Wednesday night but it was closed due to fire ants (a big problem in Hilo). Luckily today we had gorgeous weather and ample time to further explore.
Richardson's Beach Park has beautiful swaying palms, black sand beaches, and an abundance of sea life. Most notably the sea turtles.
Our first dip in the water for the day includes the above pictures. Not only did we see some amazing fish, but the coral was absolutely gorgeous! But . . .we didn't see any turtles.
M.'s eyes started to agitated in the water so we took a break. After getting some Hawaii sun, (did not think to put on sun screen which we are currently paying for) we ventured out in the water again but did not bring out our camera. Sorry guys.
We swam out pretty far thinking we'd have better luck and . . .we did. M. grabbed my arm and THERE was a sea turtle. It was the most magnificent and sweet creature I've ever seen. We swam right next to it for about ten minutes straight. Occasionally it would pop it's cute head up for air. This was seriously one of the coolest experiences of my entire life; words really cannot express it's awesomeness. It appeared to be about five feet or so long and maybe three feet wide. It's against the law to touch the turtles here in Hawaii so we were content just following along beside it.
We followed Mr. Turtle all the way to the shore and there we said goodbye to him.
There on the shore we met our newly found friends and M. and the husband went out to catch some sweet waves while the girls baked. And OH did we bake.
We ended the day by enjoying some delicious traditional Hawaiian food at "Hawaiian Style Cafe" (M. had the Korean plate and I had Luau Stew). YUM!
Aloe is currently our best friend right now. We hope eventually our skin will get used to this wonderful place and it's penetrating sun.
Stay tuned next week . . .we have a fun surprise (no not pregnant parents).
We miss you Utah . . .but we've Gone Surfing!
There on the shore we met our newly found friends and M. and the husband went out to catch some sweet waves while the girls baked. And OH did we bake.
We ended the day by enjoying some delicious traditional Hawaiian food at "Hawaiian Style Cafe" (M. had the Korean plate and I had Luau Stew). YUM!
Aloe is currently our best friend right now. We hope eventually our skin will get used to this wonderful place and it's penetrating sun.
Stay tuned next week . . .we have a fun surprise (no not pregnant parents).
We miss you Utah . . .but we've Gone Surfing!